2nd Grade

I don't ever post a series of eats, but today I just had to share my meals. Evidently, I'm still in the 2nd grade.

Here's what I had for lunch:

Peanut butter and banana sammie

Carrots and celery sticks

Fruit and yogurt

And for snackies...
crackers and string cheese for pete's sake

Dang I pack a lot of food!

For dinner, we had a classic! Now, understand, that growing up in my house, we DID NOT eat casseroles. Neither of my parents like them and they both like to blame it on the other one. Actually, I think my mom just doesn't like to make them, it's my dad who actually doesn't like to eat them. We never ate a lot of packaged foods, so I'd never eaten mac n cheese out of a box until I went to college. I'd also never eaten ramen noodles, pop tarts, lunchables or Taco Bell, either, and I probably haven't eaten those items since :) So, needless to say, stuff like this wasn't really on the menu.

Presenting ghetto tuna casserole. Made with

superstar!

I added some peeeeas, and a can of tuna,too. I had to laugh when I dumped out the powdered cheese packet.

Can you guys see how BRIGHT orange this is? Ha Ha! Definitely not a natural color. Oh well. Obviously, I did not make this according to the package directions (what? directions?). I just added a little bit of skim milk and a spinkl-y of Parmesan cheese before mixing it all together.

Topped off with some diced tomato and red pepper flakes. You can see the broccoli poking through--I ate this on top of my leftover roasted broccoli from the other night. Yum.

And to finish off my decidedly elementary evening, I made a delicious artificial and chemically laden bowl of rockstar pudding. Yes rockstar. That's what it's called when you add the world's best toppings: sliced banana and sprinkles. You can never have too many sprinkles. :)

For all my childish eating, I don't feel too bad about today. I managed to make everything pretty healthy, even if it was a little more processed than usual. How about you guys? Any grade-school favorites that you still like to indulge in, or any you make healthier now? I talked about my fluffernutters a while ago, and now this. I think I have childhood on the brain! Excuse me, I need to go find some more sprinkles....

Slicing, dicing, stirring and spicing

Tonight I got home early (miracle of miracles) and decided to do one of my favorite things: culinary experimentation. to me there is nothing more relaxing than slicing, dicing, stirring and spicing in the kitchen. I feel like it just helps to really bring me "home" after work or working out or whatever it is I've been doing. It's been a while since I've been able to really whip up anything new since all my stuff has been half packed/unpacked. In fact, I think the last time I tried a new recipe was here, which was almost two weeks ago! Quite a long time for a little experimentarian like myself!

Anyway, two dishes I've been dying to try: Tina's Roasted Broccoli. And Chicken Posole from the October issue of Real Simple.

First up, the veg. This was SO Easy! I kept looking at the recipe wondering if I was doing it wrong or had left something out, but nope! Easy peasy brocoli-eezy.

I spritzed my florets with cooking spray and only used a teaspoon and a half of sugar. But I was so proud of myself--I actually used REAL sugar! Who am I?

Before
After


Very delicious, and much sweeter than I would have thought for using so little sugar. This was a success, and here's how I know. My husband ate it! I said," You know, I think my mom would like broccoli like this." And my cutie-pants replied, " Babe, everyone would like broccoli like this!" Oooookay, so there you have it. Total vegetable victory! I think it would also be good sprinkled with a little garlic powder. Yum.


Next. I don't know why I thought it would be a good combo to have the two of these items together, but luckily it just worked.

I started with my BFF onions. When a recipe calls for an entire onion to start, you know it's gonna be a good one.
I firmly believe that if everyone loved onions and garlic as much as I do, the world would be a better place. Added tomatoes, like the recipe calls for.


Am I following the recipe for once, you ask? Of course not. What kind of question is that? I had to add a little secret weapon! My FINAL adobo chili! Or, chilis, I should say. I thought I only had one left, but I actually had three halves. I had already convinced myself that I was going to finish them off, so I did.




It was SPIIIIICCCYYY!!! I could probably breathe fire on you right now, but maybe that's from the onions and garlic, too :)

One thing I love about Real Simple, is that the recipes are, indeed, really simple. There are never too many ingredients or advanced instructions. They just feature food that tastes good without a lot of embellishment or getting all fancy. Another thing I love is that their recipes are always very hearty in regards to portion sizes. They don't like to skimp, and neither do I. The recipe makes 4 large servings. D and I each had a bowl, he went back for seconds, and we still have enough for another dinner for both of us.

While this was wonderful with the broccoli, and I would for sure still suggest it as an accompaniment, I also think this posole would be much improved with some cornbread on the side(note to self).

Well, even though my mouth is still burning, I'm feeling much more relaxed after my cooking extravaganza. What do you guys like to do to unwind after a long day? Besides cooking, I also love to read, watch Netflix with the hubby, go for walks and check out everyone's bloggies--don't forget to check out Jenna's new one, by the way! Hope your Tuesday treated youwell and you will be nice and relaxed or Wednesday :) xoxo

Peanut Party

I think almonds are my favorite nut, but I have always loved peanuts, too. Particularly peanut butter.

When we were little, my dad would make us something called a Fluffernutter. If you live on the East coast, you probably know what that I'm talking about. If you live on the west coast, you probably think it's something dirty (get your minds out of the gutter!). But whatever you think it is, it was delicious. It's a marshmallow fluff and peanut butter sandwich. Die!

I have not had a marshmallow and pb sammie since I was probably about 10, but I continued the pb trend through out college, where I think I had a peanut butter and apricot jam sand which for breakfast every, single. day. until I got married.

During my relapse, peanut butter was definitely on the no-no list, and it was one of the best re-introductions I looked forward to (hello, lovah!). Now that it's back in the game, and I regard all nuts as a healthy source of fat and important component of satiety, I am always on the lookout for new nut butters and peanut products in general. So I've got two new ones for ya:
Item number one--Think Fruit Peanut Goji Glow. This is from the same brand that makes the Think Thin bars, which I hate--namely because of the branding, but also because they contain mucho soy products--yuck! But this bar was new when I went to the store the other day, and surprisingly soy-free, so I wanted to try it.

This SMELLED really peanutty when I opened it, which I love! The look was really similar to a lara bar, and this flavor reminded me a lot of the PB cookie lara. The texture was slightly drier, though and the bar was a little more sweet. I think this is because, in addition to the dates, this is also sweetened with agave. Plus the gojis could add a touch of sweet flavor as well. Stats on this are super similar to the lara bar as well, containing 210 cals, 11 g fat, 5 g fiber and 5 g protein. Ingredients: dates, peanuts, agave, flaxseed, pectin, natural flavors, goji berries

Second peanutty find for today. If y'all read Janetha's blog ( and really, who doesn't??), you'll know that I alerted her to my latest Whole Foods discovery when they started carrying more flavors of PB and Co. last week. I wasn't a fan of the last flavor I tried, but after seeing Miss J try out the Mighty Maple, I succumbed to temptation and picked up the Bee's Knees (also seen calling my name from Miss April's blog).

Um, well, still not a big fan! How disappointing! Don't' get me wrong, it was good, as only peanut butter can be, but I cannot for the life of me pick of the subtleties of flavor in these things. Ugh! Did it taste like honey? No. But it did taste like peanut butter, and I loved the ultra-creamy texture, so I will probably continue to use this jar in lieu of my beloved Naturally More until it's gone. (Because I am cheap, and our cupboards are full--I try to exhibit some self-control in the nut butter shopping every once in a while ;) )

Speaking of nuts, today is definitely a grumpy Monday for me, and I 'm not looking forward to the work week at all. Yuck. But I hope your day is wonderful and you all enjoyed your weekends. Love and peanut butter kisses. xoxo

Cottage Cheese Concoction

Cottage cheese is the new hot topic in blogland, and the debate has been raging! It's a personal favourite of mine, and I can eat it either way. I know April likes hers whipped into shape, K loves hers on english muffins with hot sauce, and Janetha B's got the most kickin' garbanzo mix up everrrr, along with the great debate and some yummy ideas from readers over on this post here.

WARNING! If you are a savory over sweet cottage cheese eater, look out below! Janetha, try not to gag ;)

But this is the best pseudo dessert/snack/breakfast/mini meal/just because mix ever! I don't know where I got the idea for this, so if someone has tried it before and I'm copying you, my apologies. I like to think I'm a food genius and came up with this one one my own, though :)

This is just a lil' bit that I like to call Chocolate Cheesecake Cottage Cheese Concoction, but we can abbreviate that mouthful (ha ha) and just dub it the QuintaC's from now on. Or whatever. But I can't think of a more clever name right now. Anyway, this is fantabulous, and probably the world's healthiest desert. Check:

• 
• 1/2 c. cottage cheese
• 1 spoonful Hershey's Special Dark Cocoa Powder
• 1 packet Sun Crystals
• cereal of your choice ( my favorite is Quaker Oat Squares and Fiber One. Of course)

Mix CC, cocoa and sweetener thoroughly and then mix in cereal.
Looks like poo, tastes like perfection. Seriously like chocolate cheesecake. I would almost prefer this to regular dessert. In fact, I think I do! And that's saying a lot!

I love this discovery so much, I've been eating it quite frequently. I also tired it like so:
With the addition of Kashi Heart to Heart Cinnamon and raspberries. Dreamy. Although I think I prefer the original. But if you are a fruity kind of gal with your chocolate, you will love this.

You'll notice every photo has different, and kind of crappy lighting. I'm still experimenting with the best setting for pics in my new house, so bear with me.

But seriously, poo looks and crap lighting aside, this creation is the sh*t (ha ha, I am so funny...wah, wah, wah). Honestly, it is delicious. Try it, try it try it! No time like the poo-resent (present)! Ok, I'm done now. Such a terd..I mean nerd. For real. Stop it.

If you read this far, I congratulate you. Thanks for pushing through it. Seriously. Sick. Where is this potty mouth coming from?? Whatever. Happy Saturday! xoxo

Freaky Food Friday Round Six

OMG you guys, this is like the best blogging day ever!!! First of all, we finally got our Internet today! Whoo hoo! So now, instead of sitting on the floor at my old apartment, I 'm sitting on the floor of our new house because there's only one place to connect to the Internet via cable until D gets home tonight to program the wireless router. boo. the things I do for blogging. Jk. I am SO glad to be back! I have so many things to post! But since it's Friday, I'll start with the crazy foods first! you all know how much I Love pickles , and my husband knows it too. He was walking through the store the other day and spotted these on the shelf he KNEW I had to have them, so sweetie pie brought home some sweet pickles for me...candy pickles to be exact! He specifically requested I review them for Freaky Food Friday, so here they are! Personally, I thought they were delicious! But, no, they're not really candied, as far as I can tell. They tastes just like sweet pickle relish, with the addition of that shocking green hue. If you like pickles, you;ll probably like these. Even you Allison--look, no nubs! :)The second reason today has totally rocked my freakin socks off so far is that I finally got some much awaited mail! there is nothing I love more than getting stuff in the mail, and the nature of these goodies, made their arrival all the more sweet! I got a cute little package from Liz full of stuff I've been DYING to try: PB 2 and some SOY FREE bars--awesome! Upon seeing the PB2, i immediately altered my lunch plans to include some peanut butter mousse, whipped up with some Fage 0% and the oh-so-fantastic PB2. This stuff is amazing!!! This little concoction was made even better thanks to the contents of my second package Bear Naked Granola sample! They were giving away freebies on their website a while back and this was the only flavor with no soy in it, so I for sure wanted to try it out, and this was the perfect way to give it a shot. Y-U-U-U-M-M-M-Y-Y! Thank you so much, Liz, for sending this my way! I adore the PB2 and can't wait to try the bars. You made my day! Don't forget to check out her blog over at Eat, Sleep, Swim,too!

Finally, the third reason my day has been so super, and definitely the most heart-warming, is the terrific response I received on my last post! I may not have a ton of readers, but I absolutely have the kindest, most thoughtful ones out there! i am so grateful for all the encouragement and empathy displayed in your comments, and I am so thankful to have you as my friends! HUGS, HUGS, HUGS! I love you guys! I hope your Friday is as special as mine has been so far, and your weekend equally lovely. xoxo

Happy Now?

So....I debated about putting up this post, but seeing how supportive the blogging community is of others' struggles , not to mention all the positivity I received from this post, I felt encouraged to put it up.

As I had previously mentioned, part of my reason for starting this blog was to break down my food barriers, stop restricting my diet, and discover my true likes and dislikes as creatively as possible as I seek recovery from my eating disorder.

It is always my goal to remain as optimistic as possible about food and recovery, but lately something has been off...or actually on. Yep, the weight. I've gained a few pounds,and to most, this seems like no big deal. But I notice. And worst of all, Ed notices. My body has become uncomfortable, awkward and yet again, an object of disgust and dissatisfaction. When I look in the mirror, I don't SEE fat, but my clothes brush my body too closely and whisper constant doubts and insecurities.

It puts the fear back in food and takes all the fun out of experimenting. It's hard to get excited about new meals or fancy treats when all I can think is "I shouldn't be eating that."

I crave the comfort of safe things and safe foods. I rebel against the meal plans and grain quotas. I become anxious over my addition and subtraction, moving forward, stepping back and fighting the battle harder than I have had to in a long time.

My body continues to let me down by not achieving the satisfaction I have anticipated for it. I know recovery is not supposed to be easy, but I can't help feeling discouraged. I have worked so hard for health, and it seems unfair that I am still so miserable in my own skin. I suppose there can be no affection in perfection, if that is my goal. I will have to learn to love my body (and myself) regardless of it's current weight or state. I'm just not sure how.

I am unhappy with my body today, but I know I am so blessed in many other ways:

I live in a beautiful state (in my new beautiful home)

I have a loving and close family

an amazing husband

and his wonderful family

and for you guys, too! I'm so grateful for your interest in my blog and your friendship. I am inspired by each one of you every day in your hunger for life and the enjoyment that should go hand in hand with food and eating. I am alive, I am still here, and I am still fighting. I guess that's something to be grateful for too. xoxo

Home Sweet Home

No eats on this one, just checking in. I'm sitting on the floor of my apartment right now--all our stuff is gone except for the few miscellaneous items I've come to collect. It's kind of sad. It doesn't really feel like home anymore. But luckily this does:
We have the sweetest little bench in our entry way. Love! I plan to take all my kids' pics here on the first day of school every year. They will hate it, I'm sure. :)

I don't have internet at my house until this Friday (!!!) but I will be putting some posts up randomly and doing my best to keep up with everyone's sites as per usual. In the meantime, check out my guest post over at Meals and Moves. It seems like everyone loved the idea of the spicy/sweet peach preserves. I'd love to do an exchange for anyone who is interested. Just let me know! Love ya. xoxo

I Can't Pronounce This So You'll Just Have to Look

Ever since seeing Angharad's recipe for Vegetable Biryani (how do you SAY that??) a while ago, I've been dying to make my own version.

I basically used her lovely recipe as a guideline, but added a few twists. Some out of necessity--like I didn't read that you had to bake it until I was already in the process and too starve-face to wait the allotted baking time. I also added mucho veggies in my dish, in order to clean out the fridge so I didn't have to haul my mini farm over to the new casa!

I also used a couple of spoonfuls of this

instead of the fresh ginger called for in the original.

Here's my own version and how it all went down
Ingredients:

• one huge a purple onion
• garlic powder
• s&p
  
• 2 tsp. curry powder
• 1 tsp. RED curry powder
  
• 1/3 c. plain or Greek yogurt ( I used Fage 0%)
• 1/2 c. water + more as needed
  
• Ginger Snap spicy ginger preserves
• asparagus
• shredded carrots
• red bell pepper
• zucchini
  
• frozen peas
• cooked couscous
• fresh diced tomatoes and extra yogurt to top

First, gorg onion lovah all diced up ( I know it's a lot--I just need them!)
Saute onion in cooking spray until golden brown and then add garlic powder, salt and pepper and ginger preserves.

When that is all mixed together and smelling divine, add curries and yogurt, along with 1/4-1/2 c. water. Stir until smooth and then add all veggies except frozen peas. Cover and let veggies simmer to desired level of doneness and then add frozen peas. Cook til thawed through. Add more water throughout if mix becomes too thick and you need more sauce.
Serve veggie mix over cooked couscous and add a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkling of tomatoes for garnish. Holy amazing YUM! This was the best thing I've made in a long time!

All mixed together: I added some turkey sausage to the hub's and he was perfectly happy with it. I can see many equally yummy versions of this in the future--I think I want to try it with cauliflower and potatoes to make some sort of aloo gobi thing. Maybe sweet potatoes? MMMM!

With all my veggies, this recipe made a TON, so we still have Delicious leftovers. I figure it's a lot easier to transport one little Tupperware then a ginorm bag of produce! My house still smells like curry, but what the heck do I care? I'm moving :)

Freaky Food Friday Round Five aka I Smell Bacon

Happy Friday everyone! Welcome to another round of Freaky Food-ness. If you thought last week was a crazy combo, you're in for another doozy today!

This bar was beensy, but was on sale for $2--my sis was kind enough to holla when she found it, so you know I had to get it! Even though I was a little apprehensive about this one ( I mean, I don't even really eat regular bacon, turkey only please), I'd heard of this combo before, so I was all about snagging one.
OMG I could totally smell the bacon! Unwrapping this bar smelled like waking up to breakfast on a Sunday morning!

You all know I love me some sweet n savory combos, and I think this is probably the weirdest thing I’ve ever tried, including last week’s spicy sundae—and that’s saying a lot! The bacon adds more of a saltiness than anything, with just a subtle hint of smoky flavor. Although I did enjoy the flavor, it's the overall salty/sweet combo that really enchants me. I think I prefer my chocolate to be more on the chocolaty side for the most part, and will probably reach for more conventional pairs like pretzels or peanut butter in the future. At least with chocolate--not ruling out a spicy sundae repeat! :)

Ingredients include applewood smoked bacon, alderwood smoked salt and deep milk chocolate. I loved the little note on the back of the label:

Word, Katrina. Some things ARE just better with bacon, especially Friday treats and weekend eats.

Hope you all have a good one. I will be getting my move on for the next couple of days, but I have a really yummy recipe scheduled, as well as a fun guest post on another blog (yippee, my first!), so be sure to check back.

Also, as you've heard on all the other blogs, Foodbuzz is hosting its Food Blog Awards, and you all can vote for your favorite blogs in a bunch of different categories. I'd love a nomination, but mostly I just want to encourage everyone to show your favorite bloggers some love and this is an excellent way to support them. I can't wait to cast my vote for my top picks (I just have to remember my dang password for the site, doh!). Love ya ladies! xoxo